Tips and Tricks: June 2015

Quote of the Month

“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people [stuff] are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”

~ Steve Maraboli

Although this quote was referring to people, I took the liberty of substituting ‘stuff.’ Just because an item has found its way into your home, it does not mean it must stay there for eternity. If it doesn’t bring you joy or at least a fond memory, let it go. The free space is worth far more. Remember, less IS more. (But – there’s always a but – in the case of beanie babies, you can keep a couple but the majority can be released to a good cause).

Welcome to our new subscribers – thanks for joining us. It’s really great to have you with us.

Notice anything?

Yes, Aim 4 Order has a new look. We’ve updated our logo and upgraded our website. After 11 years in business, it’s time!

Shout out to Kevin MacGillivray, maker of custom websites and web applications, for an amazing job!

Let me know what you think of my new website. If you would like to write a testimonial for Aim 4 Order, I’d be honored to add it to the site. Just email me.

Your continued support and interest is greatly appreciated. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for future topics. I’m a click away!

4 Secrets of Letting Go

I love the image of hundreds of balloons escaping into the big, blue sky (and
try not to think about the environmental damage of killing wildlife). Nevertheless, I equate the released balloons to what it feels like when I let go of something that’s weighing me down. In last month’s “Lose 200 Pounds of Clutter” series, one of the participants asked “How do you let go?” I thought it would make a perfect topic for our June newsletter. Here are 4 ‘secrets’ to letting go.

1. Pretend you’re a stranger, looking around your room for the first time. What do you see that you haven’t used in forever? What do you see that you will NEVER use again? Place that item near the doorway so that it’s more conveniently located for a quick departure.

2. Ask yourself – “Does this item bring me joy?” If it does not bring you joy, then put it near the door. (Note: Placing it near the door means that you promise to put it in your car within 24 hours and take it to a local charity or friend/family member – really).

3. Our minimalist friends say that we use 20% of our things, 80% of the time. Most of the items we keep ‘just in case’ cost under $20 and are easily replaceable. (I hear you – you hate to get rid of something and then have to buy it again). What items do you have MULTIPLES of and can let go of some of the duplicates to give yourself more room (think t-shirts, office supplies, socks, utensils, towels, sheets, etc.).

4. Try the Marinade Box idea. Be bold and go around identifying the things you might be able to part with but are afraid to part with right now. Put them in your Marinade Box and let them sit there for a couple of months. Write “Check Marinade Box” in your calendar – you decide how long to wait – and if you haven’t needed or thought about the item(s) by the pre-determined date, let it go!

Of course there are many, many more secrets to share… but I’m a believer in short and sweet… so stay tuned for more secrets in the coming months!

Green Tip of the Month:

Summer Thermostat

See if you can sponsor your own Energy Saving Day by raising your thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees in the summer, especially when you’re not home during the day or evening.

Not only will you save some energy, you might even cut down your electricity bill.

This month’s Green Tip has been brought to you by my husband, lover of the environment and all living things.

“Helping Baby Boomers and their Parents Lighten their Loads.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home, contact me. Together, we can transform your home into a happy, tidy place where you can feel at peace. We can also get you ready for your next move more enjoyably, faster and easier!